‼️IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CARLINE FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR‼️

July 29, 2026

Dear Cottonwood Elementary Families,

As many of you know, construction is continuing on our campus. Because of these changes, our morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures will look different for the 2026-2027 school year. Our goal is to provide the safest and most efficient traffic flow possible while construction is underway, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we adjust to these temporary changes.

New Carline Procedures

All vehicles will enter and exit using the visitor football parking lot entrance off Cottonwood Highway.

• Vehicles will turn into the visitor football parking lot entrance from Cottonwood Highway and follow the designated route to the back of the lunchroom for student drop-off and pick-up.

• After dropping off or picking up students, vehicles will continue around the loop and exit by following the same route back to Cottonwood Highway.

• Traffic barriers and signs will be in place to help guide drivers through the new traffic pattern.

Please note that there will only be one carline this year. Unlike previous years, vehicles will not be able to form three lanes. As a result, traffic will move more slowly than it has in the past.

Parking Lot Reminder

To help keep our students safe and ensure buses can load and unload efficiently, please do not enter the parking lot located in front of the Upper Elementary, Lower Elementary, and Kindergarten buildings during morning arrival or afternoon dismissal. This parking lot is reserved exclusively for school buses and staff parking. Parents will not be permitted to use this area to drop off or pick up students. All student drop-off and pick-up must take place through the designated carline.

We understand that changes like this can be frustrating, but due to the ongoing construction, this is the safest and only option available for carline this school year. We ask that everyone be patient, follow the designated traffic pattern, and allow extra time, especially during the first few weeks of school as everyone becomes familiar with the new routine.

Carline Schedule

• Morning Drop-Off: Carline will begin at 7:00 a.m. Students may not be dropped off before 7:00 a.m. because staff members are not on duty to supervise students before that time.

• Afternoon Pick-Up: Carline will begin at 2:45 p.m.

Please expect longer wait times during both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up and plan your schedule accordingly. Your patience and cooperation will help us keep all students safe.

We would also like to remind families that Cottonwood Elementary provides bus transportation for students who live within the Cottonwood School Zone. Bus service is available for students in grades K-12. If your child is eligible to ride the bus, choosing bus transportation is a great way to avoid the carline altogether and eliminate the wait each morning and afternoon. If you have questions about bus eligibility or routes, please contact the school office.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and support as we work together to make this school year a safe and successful one.

Cottonwood Elementary School Administration